Greenhouse Construction

All the different types of greenhouses have their individual advantages and disadvantages, depending on the circumstances of their intended use. The following should help you determine which type is most suitable for you.

Window models; The smallest permanent unit you would want to consider is a window greenhouse. Often you can leave the original window in place and use it to regulate the supply of air and heat in your window unit. Window greenhouse frames can be made of aluminum or wood. The basic structure is attached to the outside of the window, and sections of glass or plastic are then installed within this framework. Sunlight enters on the two short sides and through the large front. You can build a window unit facing any direction as long as the window is not badly shaded by trees. An obvious disadvantage of these greenhouses is that you can grow only limited quantities of vegetables.

Conventional models: The typical even-span greenhouse looks like a tent with a high center ridge. (The Dutch variation has sloping sides.) Its advantages are: good growing space (even under the benches); even circulation of air; and fairly even, good light Sections can be added easily if you want to expand. The main disadvantage is the extensive heat loss due to its large surface area. (The Dutch style is more efficient)

Lean-to: A greenhouse can be erected on the south or east side of a house, with three sides of glass or plastic and the fourth side supported by the house. These have become so popular today as sun rooms that many manufacturers now sell more of them than of any other style. Advantages: accessible from house; can utilize heat from the house; less expensive than most types; may take up less space. Disadvantages: heat gets trapped near the roof; floor space is hard to reach; provides less bench space than other types.

A-frame: The ceiling and walls are one and the same. Advantages: aesthetically pleasing; easy to build; good light transmission. Disadvantages: heat gets trapped near the floor; floor space is hard to reach; provides less bench space than other types.

Gothic arch frame: This is an attractive, popular model. Advantages: the curved shape utilizes interior space well; structurally strong; transmits more light and heat than any other types. Disadvantages: difficult to ventilate.

Quonset: Familiar half-oval shape. Advantages: easy to erect structurally strong; good light and heat absorption; plenty of growing space. Disadvantages: must be well ventilated; not many models on the market

Dome: Looks like a mushroom. Advantages: relatively inexpensive; airy; strong; all surfaces transmit light; attractive, offers much usable space; everything is easy to reach from one spot Disadvantages: bench space hard to brace; hard to ventilate; benches must be rounded to fit against the wall.

Inflatable: A good mode to start with. Advantages: easy to erect; relatively inexpensive; double walls give good insulation; makes good use of limited space. Disadvantages: relatively short life; not available in large walk-in size.

Figure 9.02 Lean-to greenhouse

Lean-to greenhouse sun-rooms are now one of the most popular types on the market This Sun Valley, slant-side Janco glass-to-ground greenhouse is 10 feet wide. It can be used as a sun-room, to extend the house or as a regular greenhouse with 36-inch benches along each wall

9390 Davis Ave.

Laurel, MD 20707

Metal frames should be heavy-duty.

Aluminum frames should be painted.

Frames should be standardized throughout the greenhouse.

Bolts and screws should be rustproof aluminum.

Wooden frames should be bolted, not nailed or stapled.

Greenhouses should have grooves in upper framing for hanging baskets.

Doors should be heavy-duty.

Ball-bearings on doors are desirable.

Sliding doors should be nonstick.

Glass panels should be shatterproof.

Fiberglass should be no. 1 grade.

Polyethylene should have some sort of non-rip connections to the greenhouse.

Pentagon-hexagon: Five- or six-sided structure. Advantages: good use of space; inexpensive. Disadvantages: difficult to ventilate; benches must be built around walls to use available space.

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